I love love love the bucket bag! I’m so excited to see these on the street, on the runway, and in stores. They’re perfect for day or night because they come in a variety of sizes, fabrics and colors so there are lots of options to go with any wardrobe. I think the bucket bag is a different and cool way to update your “night-out” purse. We tend to spend too much time with our outfit, hair and makeup and then we grab any black purse or clutch and we’re out the door. A smaller bucket bag is a perfect substitute for the ordinary “going-out” clutch. The best part is…they have a long strap to go perfectly across your body. This means…no more losing your purse! With the bucket bag, there’s no excuse! I’m sure we’ve all experienced a lost purse at point or another and it’s not a fun experience to have to cancel your credit cards and wonder who’s now making long-distance calls from your Blackberry.

As you can see, there’s a variety of colors, fabrics and sizes with the bucket bag. There’s also one to fit every budget. How perfect!

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So, what do you think of the bucket bag? Do you own one? Do you plan on buying one? If you found one or have one that’s not one of my picks, post the link or a picture. I’d love to see it. Let me know what you think!

Woo hoo! On to part 2 of my wardrobe essentials. Please keep in mind that although some of these ideas such as blazers, skinny jeans and black skirts (from my last post) may seem like obvious staples, not everyone has these things and I want to give people ideas of ways to be creative with these staple pieces. I also want to give you options because wardrobe staples may seem boring and I want to show you some pieces I have found that take these staples to the next level. I have also done my best to find wardrobe essentials for a variety of styles and budget types.

This part of wardrobe essentials is more accessories-based. Accessories are so important to any wardrobe because it’s the perfect way to spruce up your outfit and give you more outfit options without having to repeat the same thing over and over (or spend money on new wardrobe items). So many ways to mix and match…what will you choose?

I think scarves are a great accessory and YES…you can wear them all year round! I found a variety of scarves (some a little heavier and some lighter) so depending on the climate you live in, you can pick one that’s right for you. Of course I only gave 6 options and there are plenty more out there but I like the variety of colors…and hopefully you do too. If you’re not into the colored scarves, a simple neutral scarf is just fine too. I would recommend pairing a solid neutral scarf with a bright or patterned top to balance things out. You don’t want to look too plain now do you? Pair a light scarf with an everyday t-shirt and jeans or a sweater and leggings and you’ve turned an ordinary outfit into something special.

I’m sure every woman has a pair of black pumps but many keep the same ones for a long time. They may be trashed, stretched out and not up-to-date. I chose a variety of black pumps to satisfy all tastes and budgets. Some people are satisfied with a simple black pump (see #1 and #4) but some may want a little more. Why not jazz up your everyday black pump with some yellow soles (see #3) or some studs (see #2)?! I think it’s obvious that the black pump literally goes with everything (skirts, pants, jeans, dresses, etc.) but personally, I only wear them in a professional setting or if my outfit is more complex (bright colors, patterns, prints, etc) to balance out my outfit. If you’re outfit is looking a little on the neutral/plain/boring side, I recommend wearing a shoe with more pizzazz (oh! new post opportunity perhaps?) but until then…the black pump is here to stay.

Personally, I find an oversized tote to be an investment piece you’ll have for years to come. On the other hand, I completely understand it’s not within everyone’s budget right now to afford an investment piece, which is why I chose a variety of colors, styles and prices for this staple wardrobe item. Be sure that when you purchase an oversized handbag (or any handbag for that matter), it will be able to fit the items you carry everyday. Some people just carry a wallet and a few other things but others take it to work and need room for documents, etc. This is why you must find the one that’s right for you. I hope my options give you some idea what you’re looking for so you can find the perfect oversized handbag for yourself.

**Note: If you’re going to spend the money and choose an oversized handbag as an investment piece, be sure it’s a color and style you know will go with [almost] everything in your wardrobe. Also be sure it’s not the “it” bag and will be out of style next season…you don’t want to waste $1,000 (or more) on something that will be out of style in 3 months now do you? Spend wisely ladies.

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So, what do you think of my wardrobe essentials (part 2)? Any favorite scarves, pumps or handbags? What other wardrobe essentials would you like me to post in the future? Or any post for that matter? I want to hear from you. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

This post is from guest blogger, David James. Follow him on twitter @jamesda1

Rue La La brings you the W Hotel like never before…

After a long week at work, who could pass up the chance to kick back and relax at one of the trendiest hotels in the world? Rue La La’s exclusive W Hotel boutique starts tomorrow, Tuesday, January 26th at 11AM, and will be open for 48 hours. Now YOU have the opportunity to stay at one of the W Hotels, whether you’re in New York, Dallas, Boston, Chicago, San Diego or San Franciso, each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design and passions in fashion, music, entertainment, design, architecture, and everything in between…

Make sure to share this launch with your readers and check in tomorrow at Rue La La to have exclusive access to some of the lowest rates W Hotels offer!

Let’s take a deeper look at this exclusive, one of a kind hotel experience through an interview with Rue La La and Ken Johnston, a concierge at the hip new W Boston…

Rue La La: What is one of the toughest requests you’ve ever received?

Concierge Ken: One of the most unusual requests was when a guest asked me to get them into the President’s inauguration ball. It took a lot of arm twisting and background checks, but eventually I got them in!

Rue La La: What’s a great way for a guest to use a concierge?

Concierge Ken: We can truly make the impossible possible. Whether it’s getting into the hottest club in town (which will soon be Descent, our night club opening shortly), to finding a Ferrari F430 to drive around in. We do it all!

Rue La La: What’s a request you’re dying to fulfill for a guest?

Concierge Ken: One question that I’m still waiting for is… Can you get me on a float during Mardi Gras in Rio de Janeiro? I was there once and all I can say is WHAT FUN! I would love to arrange that for a guest!

Having a major ooh la la moment! Rue La La has partnered with Bravo’s new fashion competition series, Launch My Line. Immediately following the season finale, you’ll be able to purchase the winning collection exclusively on RueLaLa.com.Tune in this Wednesday at 10pm EST to capture the good, the bad, the ugly – and the fabulous! And sit front row with Style Editor Rachel as she dishes on every can’t-miss moment LIVE via Twitter! Join the conversation this Wednesday at 10PM ET at http://twitter.com/rue_La_La

Not yet a Rue La La member? Join now! And don’t forget to invite your friends to experience Rue La La — you’ll receive a $10 credit when they place their first order!

I’ve done a lot of posts about my favorite designers and trends but trends come and go…it’s important for us to keep those classic pieces that will be good all year-round, no matter what the occasion. I chose pieces for a variety of budgets and styles so I hope you enjoy part one of the many more to come wardrobe essentials posts.

To ensure the timelessness of your black skirt, you need to be sure there isn’t too much going on. I’ve chosen some skirts that are very simple and ones with a little more going on to satisfy all tastes and styles. These skirts can be worn anytime of year. Wear with tights when it’s cold, maybe some printed tights for a night out. These skirts can be worn to work or out with friends and that all depends on the shirt and accessories you chose to wear it with. A simple top and a blazer for work and a sparkly tank and fun shoes for girls night out….the possibilities are endless. This simple piece of clothing can take you a long way and because it’s a separate, you can wear it many times and no one will notice your repeats!

I used to refuse to wear blazers, but with the different colors, fabrics, prints and styles that have come out more recently, they’ve become a staple in my wardrobe. A more simple, probably black or another neutral color, blazer is perfect for the work place but pair with a fun top or even a metallic dress for a night out….you got yourself a whole new outfit. They can even be more casual with skinny jeans and a tank paired with flat boots or flats for a day look. There is so much you can do with a blazer…it’s all up to you.

I love skinny jeans because I think they look best with flats, ankle booties and boots (which is what I wear most often) and they can be worn anytime of year and will never go out of style. They come in a variety of colors, washes and styles. For me, an average size woman, I need my skinny jeans that to be a little stretchy. James Jeans are my absolute favorite. It’s very hard for me to find skinny jeans that actually fit and look good on me and James Jeans are my[current] favorite. You can wear skinny jeans with just about anything but make sure that the top isn’t too short or too tight because I think it’s important to balance proportions when putting together an outfit. If I’m going tight on the bottom, I will do a loose top..and vice versa…loose bottoms with a tighter top.

**Note: If you want to “hold it all in” #7 are the jeans for you…high waisted skinny jeans are hard to find and these are great!

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So what do you think? What are your wardrobe essentials? Do you have any other suggestions for my future wardrobe essentials posts? Do you like my picks? Any other suggestions for blazers, skinny jeans or black skirts? I want to hear from you!

The Golden Globes were just last week and if you haven’t seen my best dressed list, you should definitely still check it out but now we have moved on to bigger and better things…Introducing my best dressed picks for the 2010 SAG Awards. Anyone make my list twice? We shall see…

I love this icy blue/grey color on her and the amazing detailing on the back makes up for the simple front of the dress. I thought she accessorized very well. I love the earrings. Overall, I just love Christina. I saw her over the summer at Ken Paves in LA and it was super exciting. Her hair stylist did my hair right after her…woo hoo! Starstruck. Okay moving on…

Lea made my best dressed list for the Golden Globes for wearing a fabulous Oscar de la Renta gown. It wasn’t everyone’s favorite but she took a risk by wearing a Cinderella-like gown. She was the only one who wore a dress like that and I give her snaps for wearing it because she totally rocked it. She changed it up for the SAGs by going with a gorgeous emerald Malandrino dress. I am in love with the color, the dress fits her perfectly and it makes her waist look tiny (always a plus!). Her hair and makeup looked flawless and completed her overall look.

This dress may be controversial (people might love it or hate it) but I absolutely love it. I love the beaded top and the feathered bottom. The shoes are fabulous, her hair looks great and that emerald ring is amazing. I think her hair and makeup looks very old Hollywood yet her dress is modern enough where they both complement each other and overall she looks sabsolutely stunning.

Although Kate Hudson rocked a white gown last week at the Globes (see my best dressed Golden Globes post), I might have thought “maybe you should change it up Kate…” but then I saw the back of this dress and I understood why she chose this it…it’s absolutely stunning. I love low back dresses but you have to do it right…and she definitely did. The back necklace was gorgeous and I loved her hair. She rocked the entire ensemble and again…a big shout out to Rachel Zoe for putting her outfit together.

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A few other stars that deserve some love…Tina Fey, Anna Paquin and Penelope Cruz. Tina definitely redeemed herself after wearing that hideous Little Bo Peep dress at the Globes. She looked amazing in a gorgeous purple Ferragamo dress for the SAGs. Anna Paquin wore an Alexander McQueen printed mini dress which I thought was fabulous. I love prints and I love Mcqueen. Penelope Cruz sported black again, but this time in a beaded L’Wren Scott dress. Obviously it fit her curves perfectly and she looked beautiful.

So, what do you think? Who was on your best dressed list? Worst dressed? I want to know! Leave me some comments and give me your opinions on the best and worst dressed at the 2010 SAG Awards.